Jake Stringer's AFL injury woes continue, with the Essendon star put on a modified training program because of hamstring tightness.
The Bombers have announced the 28-year-old will miss their away pre-season hit-out on Thursday against Gold Coast.
It is the latest setback for Stringer, who was restricted to 15 games last season because of groin and hamstring issues.
He was managed over the summer and sat out an intra-club game earlier this month because of a back issue.
He had tightness after Tuesday's training and was having an MRI on Wednesday.
"The expectation is he is still in contention for round one against Hawthorn on March 19," Essendon said in a statement.
Newly appointed captain Zach Merrett said it was not surprising that Stringer has injuries, given the way he plays.
"He's a very unique player - him, (Jordan) De Goey, (Christian) Petracca, these guys who are super-explosive and powerful," Merrett said,
"At times I'm sure that explosiveness that he has, injuries will pop up."
New coach Brad Scott said earlier this month he was excited by what Stringer could give the Bombers when fit.
"I look at Jake Stringer and he is a strength-power athlete - one that, when coaching against him previously, you're worried about," Scott said.
"I've always been concerned from an opposition perspective that it's Jake's power and impact in games that are his real weapon."
Essendon are taking a squad of 34 to the Gold Coast for Thursday's hit-out after a tumultuous pre-season at Tullarmarine.
The Bombers ruthlessly sacked coach Ben Rutten amid of host of changes at the club and his replacement Scott has overhauled their game plan.
"I'm pretty keen to play tomorrow and get feedback, regardless of how it goes. We'll get some great indications of how it's going," Merrett said.
"It feels like you're improving every day but you don't know until you (play) against opposition."
